Press



Nov. 6, 1928.

A. ZISKA. JR

PRESS 5 Sheets-Sheet Original Filed Dec. 5, 1921 A TTORNE Y3 Nov. 6,- 1928.

A. ZISKA. JR

PRESS Original Filed Dec. 5.. 1 21 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VENTOR A. Zzs'lra, Jr.

A TTOR/VE w PM wam; m1.

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 A. zlsKA. JR

PRESS Original Filed Dec. 5, 1921 Nov. 6, 1928.

W M W m Nov. s, 1928. 1,690,152

A. ZISKA. JR

' PRESS Original Filed Dec. 5, 1921 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 v L J Patented Nov. 6, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ADAM ZISKA, JR, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR, BY MESN E ASSIGNMENTS,

TO WOOD CONVERSION COMPANY, OF C DELAWARE.

LOQUET, MINNESOTA, A CORPORATION PRESS.

Application filed December 3, 1921, Serial No. 519,603. Renewed April 4,

My invention isan improvement in presses, and relates particularly to a. construction of press suitable for use in the making of wall board by the process set forth in application, Serial No. 470,967, filed May 19, 1921.

The wall board forming the subject matter of the said application is made from wood, as for instance wood waste, or offal, from saw mills and the like, by reducing the wood to small particles, and mechanically disintegrating the particles; after which the pulp so formed is flowed into a layer, compressed to consolidate the fibers and to express the surplus liquid, then dried and finished.

The layer of pulp is of considerable width, usually about 16, and prior tocompression, is relatively thick, containing a. large amount of surplus liquid, which must be removed. It will be obvious that the more completely the liquid is removed by compression, the more nearly perfect will be the consolidation of the fibers, and the less will be the load upon'the dryer. It will also be' obvious that since the sheet or board travels, and the press is fixed, efiiciency requires that the area of compression, at each operation of the'press, be throughout the width of the sheet. Hence the pressing surfacesv are of large area, engaging the full width of the board'at each operation. and a. large amount of water is expressed when the pressing surfaces approach each other.

For this reason the pressing surfaces must beso mounted, that they will hold a parallel relation throughout their movement toward each other, and the expressed liquid must be removed quickly and thoroughly, to facilitate the consolidation of the fibers, to lessen'the labor of the press, and to prevent re-absorption of the li uid by the board when the pressure is relaxdil.

In the present invention I provide a press, wherein the power is applied centrally. and so distributed throughout the area to be comwill be uniform, and wherein suction chambers are provided at the opposite faces of the board, in which. the pressure is controlled byv pressed, that the pressure on the said area also provide mechanism for forming the suction chamber at that face of the board adjacent to the movable pressing surface prior to the engagementof the said surface with the board, and controlled into and out of operative posit-ion bythe movement of the pressmg surface toward the board, so that the said chamber will not interfere with the movement of the board, after it has been compressed, into and out of pressing position. I also provide other novel features, which will appear in the description, and in the claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of the improved press,

Figures 2, 4 and 7 are sections on the lines 221, 4-4 and 7-7, respectively, of Figure Figure 3 is an end View,

F gure 5 is atop plan view,

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional detail at one end of the press,

Figures8 and 9 are sections on the lines 88 and 99, respectively, of Figure 6.

In the present embodiment of the invention, a suitable frame is provided, consisting of a base 1 having suitable supporting feet 2, by means of which it may be secured to a fixed support, and a superstructure 3 connected with the base. The superstructure 3 is spaced above the base, by means of pillars 4, and the parts are secured together by bolts 5, which pass upward through the base, pillars and superstructure, and are engaged by nuts 6 above the base, and the nuts are keyed to the bolts. The base is a. cellular structure, as indicated in Figure 7, and the cells indicated at 7 are filled with concrete, to strengthen and reinforce the base. With this arrangement, there is provided amaximum strength and rigidity with a relatively small amount of metal. A bed or lower platen 8 is mounted on the base, and referring to Figures 6 and 8, it will be seen that the upper face of the bed is provided with a plurality of series of longitudinally extending slots 0r recesses 9. These recesses are of greatest depth at their center, and gradually decrease in depth toward their ends. The members of each series are arranged alongside each other in parallel relation, and each recess communicates. by means of central portslO with a passage 11 extending transversely of the bed below the recesses of the series, and

at the center of the series. Each of the passages 11 communicates with a passage 12 extending longitudinally of the base, 1n the metal portion thereof, by means of a vertical passage 13 at the center of the passage 11. This passage 13 is partly in the bed, and partly in the base. A perforate suction plate 14 to be later described more particularly, is secured to the upper face of the bed over the recesses 9. I

The upper platen or press plate is supported by the superstructure, and mounted for guided movement toward and from the bed or lower platen. This plate comprises a base member in the form of a cross-head 16, which carries the suction box or platen 17, and this box or platen is provided on its under face with a plurality of series of recesses 18, SlITlllar to the recesses 9 of the bed 8, and similarly arranged. Each series of recesses 18 communicates with a passage 19, extending transversely of the suction platen, by means of ports 20 at the centers of the recesses, and the passages 19 connect with a passage 21 extending longitudinally of the suction platen at the center thereof, and similar to the passage 12. A perforate suction plate 22 is arranged on the under face of the suction platen, over the recesses 18, and the said plate 22 is similar in all respects to the plate 14. before mentioned and similarly arranged. Each of the suction plates 14 and 22 is provided with a. plurality of series of slots 15, which are in substantial register with the recesses 9 and 18 before mentioned. Referring to Figure 4, it will be seen that the members of each series of slots are parallel, and are inclined with respect to the axes of the recesses. The slots 15 lie across the recesses 9 and 18 as shown in Figure 4, so that those portions of the suction plates between the slots are reinforced by the solid portions of the bed and suction platen between the recesses 9 and 18, while ample space is provided for the escape of the liquid. The suction plates are secured to the bed and suction platen in any suitable or desired manner. A sheet 22 of coarse mesh wire cloth is arranged on the under face of the suction plate 22, and a second sheet 22 of similar material, but of finermesh is arranged below the sheet 22. A facing sheet 23 of canvas is arranged beneath the sheet 22", and the sheets 22, 22 and 23 are held in place on the suction plate by the mechanism shown in Figure 6. Each end of the sheet 23 is connected to a bar 24. and a plurality of eye-bolts 25 is connected with each bar. The eye-bolts pass upwardly through openings in the crosshead, and are engaged by nuts 26 above the crosshead. Coil springs 27 are arranged between the nuts and the crosshead, and act normally to move the belts in a direction to stretch the canvas over the suction plate. The sheets of wire cloth are held between the canvas and the suction plate. The facing sheets prevent sucking of the pulp into the suction chambers, and provide for a smooth surface after the pressing operation, while at the same time they do not interfere with the free flow of liquid from the pul to the pressing chambers. The passages ibrthe liquidincrease in capacity from the facing sheet to the suction chambers, and the wires of the screens act to conduct the liquid to the recesses 18, and to distribute the same uniformly to the suction chambers. The wire screen which carries the pulp serves as 11 facing sheet for the lower suction plate. This screen, usually in the form of an endless belt, passes between the platen and the bed.

The crosshead is connected to the superstructure at each side thereof, by means of a plurality of series of double toggles. Each series of toggles consists of a plurality of pairs of levers 28 and 29. The levers 28 and 29 of each pair are pivoted at their adjacent ends, and the outer ends of the members of each pair are pivoted to the superstructure, and to the crosshead, respectively. Referring to Figure 1, it will be noticed that the series at each side of the press are oppositely arranged, and the pivotal connections of the pairs at each side of the center are connected by links 30. The adjacent ends of the links 30 are connected to a. rod 31, by means of links 32. These rods 31, there being one at each side of the press, have eccentric straps at their upper ends which engage eccentrics 33 on a shaft 34 journaled transversely of the superstructure. When the shaft 34 is rotated the rods 31 are moved in unison upwardly and downwardly. When the rods move upwardly, the links 30 are moved toward each other while when the rods move downwardly the links are moved away from each other, and in a direction to straighten the double toggles at each side of the center of the press. The strai htening of the toggles moves the platen downwardly toward the bed or lower platen, and because of the multiple connection between the superstructure and the platen, and its distribution throughout the extent of the platen, the movement of the platen is exactly parallel, and the pressure is uniform throughout the area thereof. The compound toggle arrangement also gives a longer dwell period, and end thrust is eliminated because the compound toggle arrangement counterbalances the force applied. At its ends, the platen is guided by its engagement .with the pillars 4, as will be seen from an inspection of Figure 6. Plates 35 (Figure 1) are connected to the pillars at the opposite sides of the crosshead and at each end thereof, and the said plates engage the crosshead as shown, to prevent lateral movement thereof. Dash pots are connected with the ends of the platen, to cushion its movement to prevent shock and by a rod 38 with the jar, at the end of its movement in each direction. Each of the dash pots comprises a cylinder 36 supported on the top of the superstructure, and within each cylinder is arranged a piston 37 (Figure 7) connected ad acent end of the platen -10.

Before the platen moves into contact with the la er of pulp on the bed, mechanism is proviclbd for enclosing the portion of the sheet of pulp operated upon with a species of chamber, so that a partial vacuum may be created above the layer within the chamber, to removethe li uid expressed. The said chamber is formed in part by the platen, and in part by a substantially rectangular frame, which surrounds the platen, and is movable with respect thereto. The said frame comprises side plates 39, and end plates 40 connected with the side plates and moving therewith. Referring to Figure 6, it will be seen that the end plates are outside of the ends of the canvas facing sheet 23, so that the said sheet does not interfere with the movement of the drop frame. The side members of the frame are connected to the platen, by means of headed pins 41, (Figure 1) which pass through vertical slots 42 in the side plates into engagement with the platen. This arrangement permits relative movement of the drop frame with respect to the platen. Links 43 connect the side members of the drop frame with levers 44 which are pivoted on the superstructure Each of these levers 44 is an elbow lever, having one arm connected to the adjacent side member of the drop frame, and the other arms of the elbow levers are connected by a link 45. A rod 46 connects the link 45 at each side of the press with one end of a lever 47 pivoted at 48 to a bracket 49 on the superstructure. Intermediate its ends each lever 47 has a roller, which engages a cam groove, in a cam 51 secured to the shaft 34. The arrangement of the parts is such that just before the platen engages the layer of pulp on the bed, the drop frame is dropped, and just before the platen moves upward, the drop frame is raised.

One end of the passage 12 connects with a valve.casing 52, and the adjacent end of the passage 21 connects with the valve casing by means of a flexible pipe 56, which leads from the valve casing, to a pipe 56* connected to the passage 21. The opposite ends ofthe passages 12 and 21 are closed. A pipe 53 connecting with suitable exhaust apparatus is connected with the casing 52. By means of the pipe 53, the passages 12 and 21 may be connected with the exhausting mechanism for a purpose to be presently described. The

connection between the passage 12 and 21 and the exhausting apparatus is controlled by valves 57 (Figure 9) in the casing 52. The stems 48 of these valves are connected to arms 59 (Figure 6) on a rock shaft 60 journaled on the base. This shaft has a radial arm 61, which is connected by a link 62 with one of the arms of a bell crank 63 journaled on the superstructure. The other arm of the bell crank is connected b a link 64 with the lower end of'a lever 65. he lever 65 is pivoted at its upper end to the bracket bearing for the shaft 34, and intermediate its ends the lever is engaged by a cam 66 on the said shaft. When the drop frame engages the layer of pulp on the wire, it being understood that the ayer is carried on a wire screen, such as is shown and described in the above mentioned application, the valves 57 are opened, and the passages 12 and 21 are connected with the exhausting apparatus. A partial vacuum is created As the pulp is squeezed between the pressing surfaces, namely, the bed and the platen, the expressed li uid is drawn off and is carried away throug the passages 12 and 21. Just before the platen begins to move upward, or at the moment such movement commences, fluid under pressure (as for instance compressed air) is admitted to the passages 12 and 21, to loosen the compressed sheet of pulp in the recesses 9 and 18.

from the'pressing surfaces. Such fluid under pressure is admitted to the valve casing 52, from a suitable source of supply, by means of a pipe 67. A valve 68 in the casing controls the communication between the pipe and the casing. The valve has a stem 69, which is connected with a radial 70, journaled just above the shaft 60 before mentioned, on the base. The shaft 70 has another radial arm 71, Which is connected by a link 72 with a radial arm on a hollow shaft 73 (Figure 3) within which. the shaft 63 before mentioned is journaled. A link 74 connects a radial arm on the hollow shaft 73 with the lower'end of a lever 75, mounted in the same manner as the lever 65, and operated by a cam 76 on the shaft 34. The cam 76 is arranged to operate the shaft to open the valve, at the moment when the pressing surfaces begin to separate. or immediately .prior to such moment. The fluid under pressure strips the sheet of compressed pulp from the pressing surfaces so that there is no tearing of the same The shaft 34 before mentioned is driven by a motor 77 arranged on the superstructure and having its shaft 78 provided with a worm meshing with a worm wheel 79 (Figure 5), on a counter shaft 80 journaled transversely of the superstructure, parallel with the shaft 34. The shaft 80 is provided with pinions 81, which mesh with gear wheels 82 on the shaft 34.for driving the same, and a suitable clutch indicated at 83 is interposed between the motor shaft and the worm, for permitting the motor to be disconnected from the shaft when desired. When the drop frame is in lowered position, it islocked in such position, because of the fact that links 43 and bell cranks 44 am on a rock shaft are on dead center. The rods supporting the frame are adjustable, so that the frame can be adjusted to a point where it will not slam on the screen which supports the paper board. The drop frame is guided in its vertical movement, and the side members thereof are prevented from outward movement by the headed pin and slot connection with the platen. Referring to Figure 6 it will be seen that the pipe 56 moves in an opening 84 in the adjacent pillar. By means of the mechanism connected with the facing 23, which may be of screen if desired, the said facing may be tightly stretched over the platen, while at the same time it may yield if such yielding is necessary. The liquid expressed is immediately withdrawn, from both faces of the board, and the partial vacuum created in the recesses 9 and 18 assists the ress in expressing the liquid. It will be un erstood that either the recesses 9 and 18 may be inclined, or the slits in the suction plates may be inclined as may be found advisable.

The operation of the improved press is as follows The layer of pulp carried on the screen or wire (shown at 85) is moved intermittently, to bring successive areas of the layer or sheet between the pressing surfaces of the press. As each succeeding area comes into pressing position,,the drop frame is lowered, and the platen is moved toward the bed. At the same time the air is exhausted from the recesses 9 and 18, and the expresed liquid is removed. The movement of the platen in both directions is cushioned by the dash pots, and the compound toggle insures a uniform pressure, on the bed throughout the area of the platen. This arrangement also eliminates end thrust, the full power being utilized to force the platen toward the bed and absolute parallelism of the pressing surfaces being insured.

I claim:

1. In a. press for compressing wall board the combination of a bed over which the board moves, a platen movable toward and away from the bed, and a frame mounted on the platen and movable relatively thereto, this frame cooperating with the platen to enclose a portion of the web to be compressed.

2. In a press for compressing wall board the combination of a bed over which the board moves, a platen movable toward and away from the bed, a frame mounted on the platen and cooperating with the bed to enclose a portion of the web to be compressed, and means for moving the frame toward and away from the bed and operable to produce these movements in advance of similar movements of the platen.

3. In a press for compressing wall board the combination of a bed, a platen, means for moving the platen toward and away from the bed to compress the board. a frame mounted on the platen and cooperating with the bed to enclose the board to be compressed, and means for moving the frame toward and away from the bed controlled by the means for moving the platen.

4. In a press for compressing wall board the combination of a bed, a platen movable toward and away from the bed, means for moving the platen, a frame cooperating with the platen to enclose a portion of the board to be compressed, and means controlled by the platen-moving means for moving the frame toward and away from the bed.

5. In a press of the class described, a pressing surface having series of elongated recesses in its engaging face forming suction chambers, and a plate having series of slots corresponding in arrangement and location to the recesses of the surface.

6. In a press of the class described. a pressing surface having series of elongated recesses in its engaging face forming suction chambers, and a plate having series of slots corresponding in arrangement and location to the recesses of the surface, and inclined with respect thereto.

7 In a press of the class described. a pressing surface having series of elongated recesses in its engaging face forming suction chambers, a plate having series of slots corresponding in arrangement and location to the recesses of the surface, and a tensioned facing sheet of flexible foraminous material on the plate.

8. In a press of the class described, a pressing surface having series of recesses in its engaging face forming suction chambers. a plate having series of slots corresponding in arrangement and location to the recesses of the surface and inclined with respect thereto, and a tensioned facing sheet of flexible foraminous material on the plate.

9. In a press of the class described. a pressing surface having series of recesses in its ongaging face forming suction chambers, a plate having series of slots corresponding in arrangement and location to the recesses of the surface. a facing sheet of flexible foraminous material on the plate, and means at the ends of the sheet for tensioning the same.

10. In a press of the class described. a pressing surface having series of recesses in its engaging face forming suction chambers. a plate having series of slots corresponding in arrangement and location to the recesses of the surface, a facing sheet of flexible foraminous material on the plate. and resilient means for straining the sheet over the plate.

11. In a press of the class described. a pressing surface having a series of suction chambers communicating with its engaging face, sheets of flexible foraminous material over said suction chambers. and resilient means for tensioning the sheets.

12. In a press of the class described, pressing surfaces having series of suction chambers, and perforations connecting said chambers with the engaging faces of the surfaces, and means operated in accordance with the relative movement of the surfaces 5 to increase and diminish the pressure in the chambers for, the purpose set forth.

13. In a press of the class described, a movable platen, a frame enclosing the platen to engage 'the board in advance of the platen, a limited slidable connection between the frame and the platen, and means controlled in accordance with the movement of the platen for moving the frame in advance of the movement of the platen.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

ADAM ZISKA, J n. 

